Working from home as we social distance through the pandemic might be a drastic change for some people. Even for those who work from home normally might be facing disruptions to their usual routine.
For those of you new to WFH, it may seem at first like you have a flexible schedule, but let’s face it, it can be a struggle to separate your work and personal life when you’re doing both in the same space.
It’s important to find the things that work for you personally, but we have some tips that might be able to help.
Create a dedicated workspace and set a work schedule
Designate a spot in your home for work. Whether that is a makeshift setup in your small apartment or turning an extra bedroom into your temporary work HQ. It may be tempting to open your laptop and answer emails from bed in your pajamas, but sticking to a routine and designating a workspace will help you transition from your work day to clocking out.
If you’re using a common space you use outside of work — like a dining table – pack up your work each evening so it doesn’t feel like the office is staring back at you.
Designate the time for your workdays and stick to it. You’ll get the best work done if you follow to your regular hours.
Prep your body (and mind) for the work day
It might seem simple, but getting ready for the day is crucial.
Wake up, brush your teeth, get ready for the day even though you’re not seeing anyone. It’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day, but getting dressed serves as a signal to your brain that it’s time to start the day and get things done.
Not only that, but if you’re participating in Zoom calls with your team or clients, you should present yourself more or less as you would in the office. You want show clients, co-workers and your manager that you’re performing as professionally at home as you would in an office setting.
Whether you go all out or not, taking care of your appearance can go a long way into helping your mindset. Look good, feel good!
Find ways to transition in and out of work
The usual morning commute not only gets you where you need to be, but it also gives your brain some time to prepare for the work day. Though you’re not commuting, it doesn’t mean you should skip an equivalent routine to help you ease into the day.
Create (or keep) little rituals for your day.
Maybe you listen to music or a podcast on your way to work.
This is something you can do at home too, crank the tunes or pop in your earbuds and pipe that information into your brain and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Set aside a few moments in your morning to enjoy before hitting the computer. Even as little as a 10 minute transition is enough to tell your brain “It’s time to work.”
When it comes to the end of the day, the same thing goes. Whether it be a quick walk, kicking back with your drink of choice, or making dinner; creating some sort of transition to get you out of work mode will definitely help!
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works for you as we navigate this adjustment in our lives. It’s important to spend time creating habits for a healthy work-life balance.
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